JP7394040B2 - Programs, terminals, server devices and systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program, a terminal, a server device, and a system.

In recent years, games using platforms such as smartphones and mobile phones have become popular. For example, there is a game in which a deck is a combination of game elements such as virtual cards, and the outcome of a competitive game is determined using the parameter values of each game element making up the deck.

Games have also been devised in which a plurality of players form a team (group) and the teams compete against each other. In this team battle, players of one team and players of the other team compete against each other using decks. Then, the winner or loser of the team battle is determined based on the match results (Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-939 Publication

A game that allows players to form groups with game elements and that can entertain the players belonging to the group is desired.

An object of the present invention is to provide a program, a terminal, a server device, and a system that can provide games that are more interesting to players.

One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a game played by a player using first game elements, the program including a deck setting means for setting the first game elements that constitute the player's deck, and a deck that does not constitute the deck. Functions as a second game element setting means for setting a second game element selected from among second game elements that are game elements and can use the player's deck as a second game element forming a group with the player. The second game element setting means is a program that can change the set second game element to another second game element.

One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to control the progress of a game played by a player using a first game element, the program comprising: a program that causes a computer to control the progress of a game played by a player using a first game element; Functions as a determining means for determining a third game element for changing a second game element that cannot be set as a second game element forming a group with the player into a second game element that can be set, in response to a request. This is a program that allows you to

One aspect of the present invention is a terminal that executes a game using a first game element, which includes a deck setting means for setting the first game element that constitutes a player's deck, and a game element that does not constitute the deck. a second game element setting means for setting a second game element selected from second game elements that can be used with the player's deck as a second game element constituting a group with the player; The second game element setting means is a terminal that can change the set second game element to another second game element.

One aspect of the present invention is a server device that controls the progress of a game played by a player using a first game element, the server device responding to a request from a terminal for setting a second game element forming a group with the player. a server device comprising determining means for determining a third game element for changing a second game element that cannot be set as a second game element constituting a group with the player into a second game element that can be set; be.

One aspect of the present invention is a system for executing a game played by a player using first game elements, comprising: a deck setting means for setting the first game elements that constitute a player's deck; and a game element that does not constitute the deck. a second game element setting means for setting a second game element selected from second game elements that can be used with the player's deck as a second game element constituting a group with the player; and determining means for determining a third game element for changing a second game element that cannot be set as a second game element constituting a group to a second game element that can be set, The element setting means is a system that can change the set second game element to another second game element.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can provide a game with improved user interest.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the player terminal 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a buddy setting screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display displayed on the display 11 of the player terminal 1 in the standby phase or card usage preparation phase of the competitive game. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining input operations in the battle phase. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the player terminal 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of card setting data. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of deck setting data. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of buddy information data. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of user information data. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for confirming a change in the player selection buddy. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the operation image display section 75. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining buddy setting processing. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining buddy release processing. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the release determination process.

[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system includes player terminals 1 prepared for each of game players A and B, and a game server 2. The player terminal 1 and the game server 2 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other.

The communication line N means a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet. /Regardless of wireless.

The player terminal 1 is a computer that can execute a game program, and can connect to a communication line N via a wireless communication base station or the like to perform data communication with the game server 2. The player terminal 1 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, an arcade game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a controller for a stationary home game device, or the like. Basically, there are a plurality of player terminals 1, and each player terminal operates the player terminal 1.

The game server 2 is a server system configured to include one or more server devices, storage devices, and the like. The game server 2 provides various services for operating the game of this embodiment, such as managing data necessary for operating the game and distributing game programs and data necessary for executing the game on the player terminal 1. It can be performed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the player terminal 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the player terminal 1 includes a display 11, a touch operation panel 12 that is integrated with the display 11, and a speaker 13. The player terminal 1 is also provided with a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, etc. (not shown).

The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories such as ASIC, VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wirelessly communicating with a mobile phone base station. Furthermore, a so-called I/F circuit (interface circuit), such as a driver circuit for the touch operation panel 12, is mounted on the control board. Each of the elements mounted on these control boards is electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so that data can be read and written and signals can be transmitted and received.

In this embodiment, the game system as described above uses a first game element associated with the first player A and a first game element associated with the second player B who is an opponent. An example applied to a competitive game will be explained.

Here, the first game element is a virtual or physical item that is the embodiment of a character that appears in the game. Examples of virtual or tangible items include a virtual card displayed on a computer, a physical card, and the like. In the game to be executed, the behavior of characters that can appear through the use of cards shall be controlled based on the operations of the players (including non-players operated by the computer), and the actions of the characters that can be made to appear through the use of cards shall be controlled based on the operations of the players (including non-players operated by the computer). The following description assumes that a design of a character (an image showing the external appearance of the character) is attached. The card design may also include an image of the background of the character.

It goes without saying that the game elements of the game to be executed are not limited to those configured to allow identification of characters, but may also be configured to specify items, effects to be activated, and the like. The article is not limited to a card, as long as it is configured such that a character associated with the article can be identified. The article may be a shaped object such as a figure having the appearance of a character, for example.

The deck is composed of a predetermined number of first game elements. For example, when the first game element is a virtual card displayed on a computer, the deck is a group of cards made up of a predetermined number of cards. The deck in this embodiment is configured to include cards selected by the player.

Furthermore, in the competitive game to which this embodiment is applied, a second game element different from the first game element is added. Although the second game element is a character like the first game element, it does not necessarily need to be associated with a virtual or tangible item. In this embodiment, the player and the second game element constitute one group.

There are multiple types of second game elements. A game element forming a group with the player is selected and set from among the plurality of second game elements. The second game element forming a group with the player can also be changed to another second game element. Changing the second game element that makes up the player and the group means that after the second game element that makes up the player and the group is set, the second game element that makes up the player and the group is set to another second game element. It is to be.

The second game element uses the first game element owned by the player in the game. Using the first game element includes determining the selection or action of the first game element within the game. If the first game element is a card, for example, the second game element autonomously or spontaneously determines the selection or action of the card held by the player in a battle within the game. In other words, the second game element is the selection or action of the first game element performed by the player without being conditioned by the player's operation, such as the function of a non-player operated by a computer. is controlled to perform an operation similar to that determined by .

However, while a conventional non-player operated by a computer does not use the first game element owned by the player, the second game element in this embodiment uses the first game element owned by the player. It's different. Further, while the conventional non-player operated by a computer is a virtual competitive player of the player, the second game element of the present embodiment uses the first game element owned by the player together with the player, The difference is that you play against opposing players.

The second game element has character information indicating attributes of the second game element. The character information of the second game element also influences the autonomous or spontaneous behavior (use of the first game element) of the second game element. In other words, the character information is the ability of the second game element, and the autonomous or spontaneous behavior (use of the first game element) of the second game element differs depending on the difference in ability. Character information changes as the game progresses. For example, character information changes by achieving a predetermined condition regarding the game. Predetermined conditions related to the game include exchange of compensation obtained for the result of the game (e.g., experience points or use of a specific first game element), achievement of a predetermined event in the game, and the player's This includes acquiring a new first game element as compensation for an action, acquiring a specific first game element, and the like.

Character information may include multiple parameters. For example, in this embodiment, the character information includes parameters (hereinafter referred to as "levels") that change depending on the experience points obtained as a result of the game, and the frequency of use of the type of first game element and the acquisition of a specific card. A parameter that changes (hereinafter referred to as "card understanding level"), a parameter that changes depending on the usage rate of the type of the first game element (hereinafter referred to as "personality"), and a parameter that changes depending on a predetermined event (hereinafter referred to as "personality"). (referred to as "sync level").

The level represents the basic level of the second game element, and increases according to the experience points obtained by competing. When the level increases, the thinking power of the second game element can be increased. The higher the thinking ability, the more appropriately the first game element can be used depending on the game situation. The card understanding level is the understanding level of the first game element, and the higher the understanding level is, the more the first game element (card) can be used at an appropriate timing. Personality represents the character of the second game element, and changes depending on the usage rate of the attributes of the first game element.

The synchronization level increases as the game progresses. The synchronization level can also be increased by completing certain events in the game. The predetermined event includes logging into the game, acting together with the player in the game, purchasing a card, and acquiring a specific card. The game of this embodiment also includes a communication mode in which the player enjoys communication with the second game element. In the communication mode, the content of the actions (behavior, speech, etc.) of the second game element differs due to the different synchronization levels. The higher the synchronization level, the more intimate the motion is. The synchronization level can also be said to be a parameter indicating the relationship between the player and the second game element.

The above-described autonomous or spontaneous action (operation) by the second game element may be performed based on information provided by an AI function included in the game server 2. This AI function is an AI function obtained by machine learning using the game progress contents and results of many competitive games as training data. A typical machine learning method is deep learning, but it is not limited to this.
[Summary of game content]
Next, to help understand the explanation of the embodiment, an outline of the game will be explained using the display screen of the display 11 of the player terminal 1.

In the game of this embodiment, players A and B use virtual game cards (first game elements in which characters are embodied, hereinafter simply referred to as "cards"), which are game objects, in the game. A plurality of types of cards are prepared, and they are distinguished by combinations of character abilities, card attributes, etc. associated with each card. For the abilities of the character, for example, ability parameter values such as level, attack power, and HP used in competitive play (battle) against opponents such as computer-controlled enemy characters and other players are determined. Card attributes include, for example, rarity, color, number, and the like.

The minimum number of cards required for competitive play (battle) is given to you when you register for an account, and you can also obtain them during the game, by purchasing them as paid items, or by drawing a lottery called gacha. . In addition, cards can also be obtained by obtaining a physical game card (hereinafter referred to as a "real card") and completing a registration procedure so that the obtained real card can be used in the game. Specifically, when players A and B perform a registration procedure for a real card, they can obtain a card of the card type associated with the real card.

Then, player A composes a deck using a predetermined number (for example, 40) of the cards he owns, and challenges the player to a competitive play (battle) using the deck. In competitive play (battle) using a deck, the outcome of the battle is decided against the opponent using the character's ability parameter values and card attribute settings defined in the cards that make up the deck (deck cards). .

Prior to the game, players A and B need to complete account registration and organize their decks. Deck formation can be done by touching the card menu from the home screen or the like, and from the deck formation menu presented as one of the menus.

Here, regarding the second game element, players A and B select their favorite buddy from a plurality of second game elements (hereinafter referred to as buddies) presented at the time of account registration and the like. The selected buddy is set as a buddy forming a group (team) with the player. Hereinafter, a buddy selected and set by the player as a buddy forming a group (team) with the player will be referred to as a "player selected buddy."

A screen for setting a player selection buddy (buddy setting screen) is illustrated in FIG. On the buddy setting screen, a plurality of different buddies are displayed to be selectable. Each buddy displayed has a different display format (character image, etc.) and in-game effects. In-game effects include results of card selection or actions in a battle, and actions (behaviors, remarks, etc.) based on character information. The player specifies a desired buddy from among multiple buddies (in the example in Figure 3, use the left and right arrow buttons to place the desired buddy in the center), and presses the "Enter button" on the screen. The buddy is selected and set as the player selected buddy. Note that the buddies presented on the buddy setting screen include buddies that can be set as player selection buddies and buddies that cannot be set. When you play the game for the first time, the buddies presented on the buddy setting screen include both configurable and non-configurable buddies, and configurable buddies are more likely than non-configurable buddies. It will be displayed more. Further, on the buddy setting screen, buddies that can be set and buddies that cannot be set are displayed in a distinguishable manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, buddies that can be set may be shown in color, and buddies that cannot be set may be shown in gray. Furthermore, the words "settable" may be displayed near images of buddies that can be set, and the words "unsettable" may be displayed near images of buddies that are not settable. A buddy that cannot be set is changed to a buddy that can be set as the game progresses or as a price is paid. Furthermore, buddies that cannot be set may be directly set as player-selected buddies in accordance with the progress of the setting game or in accordance with payment of a price.

A battle can be started by selecting the battle menu (touch operation) from the home screen displayed after logging in. In the battle, player A's turn and opponent player B's turn are executed alternately. Each team's turn is taken with the players and buddies swapping each turn. Each turn consists of a standby phase in which cards from the deck are set in the player's own player area such as the field, a card use preparation phase in which other deck cards are prepared in order to use the set deck cards, and a card usage preparation phase in which players It consists of a plurality of phases, such as a battle phase in which an opponent player or an opponent player's card is attacked using deck cards placed in an area.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display displayed on the display 11 of the player terminal 1 in the standby phase or card usage preparation phase of the competitive game. The screen of the display 11 includes a first area 41 where cards of player A and the like are set, and a second area 42 where cards and the like of competing player B are set. Further, at the boundary between the first area 41 and the second area 42, operation information 43 is displayed that displays information on operations that can be currently executed.

Each of the first area 41 and the second area 42 includes a field area 44 where five cards (hand) selected from the own deck are placed, and a field area 44 where five cards (hand) selected from the own deck are placed, and a field area 44 where the actions or effects of the cards placed on the field are activated. A base area 45 where cards to be consumed (action cost) are placed, a first object 46 that influences (force) the activation effect of the card and has life (HP), and a second object 46 that also has life (HP). and a force area 48 in which an object 47 is placed. Note that in this embodiment, the second object 47 is displayed also as a buddy, which is a second game element.

In the battle phase, as shown in FIG. 5, player A touches the card to be used for attack with his finger and drags it to the opponent's card, first or second object 46, 47 to be attacked. The card to be used in the attack, the card of the competing player B to be attacked, and the first or second objects 46, 47 are determined. As a result, player A's attack begins. In addition, in the case of an attack by buddy A, the card used for the attack, the card of opponent player B to be attacked, and the first or second objects 31, 32 are determined by the card operation information provided from the game server 2. be done.

A turn consisting of a series of phases like this is repeated alternately between player A's team and the opponent player B's team, and either player's life becomes 0 or the deck has 0 cards. This will determine the outcome. Of course, you can set buddies not only when registering your account, but also after a battle.
[Functional configuration]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the player terminal 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the player terminal 1 includes an operation input section 50, a storage section 51, a processing section 52, an image display section 53, a sound output section 54, and a communication section 55.

The operation input section 50 is used by the player to input various operations related to the game, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing section 52. The functions of the operation input unit 50 include, for example, elements that the player directly operates with their fingers, such as a touch operation pad, home button, button switch, joystick, and trackball, as well as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, an inclination sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. This can also be achieved using elements that detect movement or posture. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch operation panel 12.

The storage unit 51 stores in advance programs for operating the player terminal 1 and realizing various functions of the player terminal 1, data used during the execution of this program, or temporarily stores data each time processing is performed. be memorized. The storage unit 56 can be realized by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an IC memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, or the like.

The storage unit 51 stores a system program and a game program. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the player terminal 1 as a computer. The game program is a program for causing the processing section 52 to function as the game calculation section 61. This program is distributed from the game server 2 or another application distribution server after the player completes account registration.

The storage unit 51 also stores card setting data, deck setting data, buddy information data, and user information data (player-related data) including buddy setting data (buddy-related data). In addition, model data for displaying images of game elements, texture data, motion data, effect data, background images of game screens, sound data such as sound effects, etc. are distributed as necessary data for the game. and stored in the storage unit 51.

The card setting data is information regarding the ability of the character of the card held by the player and the card attributes, and is prepared for each card. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of card setting data of cards held by a player. FIG. 7 shows card setting data for one card identified by card identification information "001". The card setting data includes card identification information, character name, card image, race, ability, attack power, hit points, rarity, cost number, color, and paid/free status of the card. The paid card in this embodiment is a card provided on the condition that money or in-game currency is paid. Cards other than paid cards are free cards. Note that FIG. 7 shows an example of card setting data, and the present invention is not limited to this. The card setting data increases or decreases as the number of cards held by the player increases or decreases.

The deck setting data is data regarding each deck of the player, and includes card identification information of the cards constituting each deck. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of deck setting data. The example in FIG. 8 is an example of deck setting data for deck 1 of player A, and is an example showing that deck 1 is composed of cards with card identification information "001" to card identification information "023". be. Note that FIG. 8 shows an example of deck setting data, and the present invention is not limited to this.

The buddy information data is data regarding the buddy's attributes and the buddy's game performance, and is set for each buddy type. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of buddy information data. In the example of FIG. 9, the buddy information data can be set as buddy identification information, buddy character information (level, card understanding level, personality, synchronization level), game results, buddy information (prologue, etc.), and player selection buddy/ Contains the impossible. Buddy information data is prepared for each buddy type. Buddy's character information and game results change as the game progresses. In this case, the changed character information and game results are notified from the game server 2, and the character information and game results are updated.

The user information data (player-related data) is data related to the player's attributes and the player's game results, which are used in the progress of the game. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of user information data. In the example of FIG. 10, the user information data includes the player ID, the player's rank and class, the player's battle record, buddy setting data, owned card information, owned item information, deck information, limit number of times synchronization can be increased by touch action, and login. It includes bonus status, total number of wins, balance information, etc. Note that the user information data is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10, and may have other data configurations.

The buddy setting data (buddy-related data) is data related to the attributes of the player-selected buddy and the buddy's game performance, which are used in the progress of the game. The buddy setting data stores buddy information data of a buddy selected by the player as a player-selected buddy from among a plurality of types of buddy information data set in the buddy information data. Buddy setting data includes data items similar to buddy information data (buddy identification information, buddy character information (level, card understanding level, personality, synchronization level), game results, buddy information (prologue, etc.), and player selection buddy information. configurable/impossible). However, the invention is not limited to this, and the buddy setting data may be composed of a part of the data items of the buddy information data.

The processing section 52 comprehensively controls the operation of the player terminal 1 based on programs and data stored in the storage section 52, operation input signals from the operation input section 50, and the like. The functions of the processing unit 52 can be realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory. The processing section 52 includes a game calculation section 61, an image generation section 62, a sound generation section 63, and a communication control section 64 as main functional sections.

The game calculation unit 61 executes various game processes to realize the game of this embodiment, and outputs the processing results to the image generation unit 62 and the sound generation unit 63. The game calculation section 61 includes a providing section 70 , a deck setting section 71 , a card setting section 72 , a buddy setting section 73 , an action determining section 74 , an operation image display section 75 , and a game management section 76 .

The providing unit 70 performs processing related to providing cards and items. Cards and items are provided to players when predetermined conditions are met. The predetermined conditions include the payment of compensation (money, in-game currency, points acquired by the player by participating in a lottery event conducted on the Internet, etc.), and the payment of compensation for the player's actions within the game or outside the game. There are exchanges for earned consideration, registration of user accounts, etc. The providing unit 70 receives data on cards and items transmitted from the game server 2 when a predetermined condition is met from the game server 2 via the communication unit 55, and stores it in the storage unit 51. Items provided by the game server 2 include "buddy release items" used to change non-configurable buddies to configurable buddies.

The deck setting unit 71 performs various processes related to decks, such as organization (creation), duplication, and deletion of decks. In forming the deck, the deck setting section 71 sets the cards that constitute the player's deck.

The card setting section 72 manages cards held by the player. It also manages the cards that make up each deck, and sets cards and hands to be set in each field in the standby phase and card usage preparation phase from the deck selected by the player. Additionally, information regarding the cards and hands set in each field during the match (card setting information) is generated and transmitted to the game server 2 via the communication unit 55.

The buddy setting unit 73 performs various processes related to buddies, such as setting a player selected buddy. Timings for setting the player selection buddy include, for example, when the player plays for the first time, and when changing the player selection buddy to another buddy after playing using the buddy. In setting the player selection buddy, the buddy setting section 73 displays a buddy setting screen (FIG. 3) that selectably presents a plurality of buddies. At this time, the buddy setting section 73 refers to the buddy information data in the storage section 51 and displays buddies that can be set as player selection buddies and buddies that cannot be set in a distinguishable manner. In the example of FIG. 3, images of buddies that can be set as player selection buddies are displayed in color, and images of buddies that cannot be set are displayed in gray. When one buddy is selected from the buddies that can be set as a player selection buddy, buddy information data corresponding to the selected buddy is read from the storage unit 51 and set as buddy setting data. If a player selection buddy is already set and another buddy is selected as the player selection buddy, the settings of the current buddy setting data (before change) are memorized (saved) in the buddy information data. . Then, the buddy information data of the newly selected buddy is read out from the storage unit 51 and set as buddy setting data. (Change of player selection buddy). Even if the player selection buddy is changed, the setting value of the user information data is not changed. That is, when the player selection buddy is changed, the user information data that was set before the change is also set after the change.

For example, if the player selection buddy of player A (rank 25) is changed from buddy B (level 15) to buddy C (level 1), the attributes of the player selection buddy are not inherited, and buddy information data (level It is set from 1). At this time, the attributes of player A are inherited as they are without being changed (rank 25→rank 25). After that, after player A and buddy C have both grown up (player A's rank 25 → player A's rank 33, buddy C's level 1 → buddy C's level 18), change the player selection buddy from buddy C (level 18) to buddy C (level 18). When changing to B (level 15), the buddy information data of buddy B saved at the time when the player selected buddy was last changed is read out, and the attributes of the player selected buddy are set.

It should be noted that even if the player selection buddy is changed, the player's attributes are not changed to their initial values but are maintained at their current values. For example, even if the player selected buddy is changed and the synchronization level of the changed buddy is the initial value such as level 1, the player's attributes such as "Limited number of times synchronization level can be increased by touch action" etc. will not be initialized. , the pace at which the buddy's synchronization level increases after the change is faster than when the player's attributes were at their initial values.

In addition, when a buddy that cannot be set is selected from among the buddies displayed on the buddy setting screen and the "release button" on the screen is pressed, the buddy setting section 73 stores the user identification information. It is transmitted to the game server 2 via the communication unit together with the open item determination request, and the determination result transmitted from the game server 2 is received. The determination request here requests the game server 2 to check whether the player has the necessary open items to change a buddy that cannot be set as a player selection buddy to a buddy that can be set. It is. If the determination result indicates that the number of open items is sufficient, the designated buddy is changed to a buddy that can be set as a player selection buddy. Before changing the player selection buddy, the buddy setting unit 73 creates an icon that represents at least a portion of the buddy before the change, and an icon that represents a portion of the buddy after the change, as shown in FIG. 11, for example. may be presented to the player to confirm the change of the player selection buddy, and after receiving confirmation, the player selection buddy may be changed.

Further, when the determination result of the open item indicates that the number of items held is insufficient, the buddy setting unit 73 displays an error screen indicating that the number of items is insufficient.
Note that when the determination result indicates that the number of open items is sufficient, the designated buddy may not only be changed to a buddy that can be set as a player selection buddy, but also may be set as a player selection buddy.

Furthermore, when a player selection buddy is set, the buddy setting section 73 outputs information (prologue, etc.) regarding the buddy included in the buddy setting data in the form of audio or images. The information regarding the buddy that is displayed may be a story or content of the buddy expressed in video, audio, text, or the like. Further, information regarding the buddy may be presented on the condition that the buddy has been changed.

Further, the buddy setting unit 73 performs a process of suggesting a buddy suitable for the player to the player selected buddy. For example, in response to pressing a "buddy suggestion button" (not shown) on the buddy setting screen, the buddy setting section 73 presents a plurality of questions to the player (for example, questions regarding the player's personality and preferences, etc.). Accepts input of answer choices. Points are set for each type of buddy in the answer choices for each question. For example, for the answer option ``Yes'' to the question ``Do you like a quiet atmosphere?'', points are set to be added for buddies who have characteristics such as quiet and docile. Further, for the answer option "No" for the same question, the setting is made so that points are added for buddies who have characters such as energetic and lively. The buddy setting unit 73 adds and totals the points corresponding to the input answer choices for each buddy type, and calculates the total value for each buddy type. Then, the buddy with the largest total point value is presented to the player. A decision button is displayed on a screen for presenting a buddy, and when the decision button is pressed, the presented buddy is set as a player selection buddy. Note that a plurality of buddies may be presented. For example, buddies whose total points are equal to or greater than a certain value may be extracted and presented. Further, the total point value may be presented for all types of buddies. Buddies may be presented in descending order of total value. Furthermore, it may be possible to set the presented buddy on the condition that answers to all questions have been received. Note that the method for suggesting a buddy suitable for the player is not limited to the above method, and other methods may be used.

The action determining unit 74 determines card selection and card action based on the player's touch operation, generates action selection information that is information on the card selection or action, and sends the action selection information to the game server via the communication unit 55. Send to 2.

The operation image display unit 75 performs a process of displaying an image for operating card selection or action. For example, if the input operation by the player is a card operation such as "attacking opponent's card B with card A," the operation image display section 73 displays the input operation from card A to opponent's card B, as illustrated in FIG. 12. Display an image of the arrow.

The game management section 76 manages the progress of the entire game.

The image generation unit 62 generates one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 seconds) based on the processing result of the game calculation unit 61, and outputs an image signal of the generated game screen to the image display unit 53. do. The functions of the image generation unit 62 include, for example, processors such as GPUs and digital signal processors (DSPs), programs such as video signal ICs and video codecs, IC memories for drawing frames such as frame buffers, and texture data development. This can be realized using IC memory, etc.

The sound generation section 63 generates sound signals such as sound effects and BGM related to the game, audio information of operation assistance information, and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the game calculation section 61, and outputs them to the sound output section 54. The function of the sound generation unit 63 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing audio files, or the like.

The communication control unit 64 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the game server 2.

The image display section 53 displays various game screens based on image signals input from the image generation section 62. The function of the image display section 53 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display, for example. In FIG. 2, the image display section 62 corresponds to the display 11.

The sound output unit 54 is for outputting game-related sounds, sound effects, etc. based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 63. In FIG. 2, the sound output section 54 corresponds to the speaker 13.

The communication unit 55 connects to the communication line N to realize communication. The functions of the communication unit 55 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like.

Next, the configuration of the game server 2 will be explained. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 2. As shown in FIG.

The game server 2 includes a storage section 91, a processing section 92, and a communication section 93.

The storage unit 91 stores system programs and game programs. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the game server 2 as a computer. The game program is a program for causing the processing unit 92 to function as a player management unit 101, a game management unit 102, an AI processing unit 103, a character information update unit 104, a card provision management unit 105, and an opening determination unit 106. It is.

Furthermore, the recording unit 91 stores user information data and card data. The user information data is basic data of players participating in the game, and records user information data for each player. The user information data stored in the storage unit 91 has the same data structure as the user information data managed by the player terminal 1 (see FIG. 11).

The card data is card data of all cards used in this game. Basically, data similar to the card setting data shown in FIG. 7 described above is stored for all cards used in the game.

The processing unit 92 includes a player management unit 101, a game management unit 102, an AI processing unit 103, a character information update unit 104, a card provision management unit 105, and an opening determination unit 106.

The player management unit 101 uses user information data to manage accounts, game progress, etc. for each connected player terminal 1.

The game management unit 102 receives card setting information, action selection information, etc. from the player terminal 1, performs a match processing using the card setting information, action selection information, and card data, and outputs the match results.

The AI processing unit 103 has an algorithm obtained by machine learning training data such as game progress contents and results of many competitive games. This algorithm is an algorithm according to the buddy's character information (the buddy's ability). A typical machine learning method is deep learning, but it is not limited to this.

The AI processing unit 103 inputs the card setting information transmitted from the player terminal 1 and the character information (buddy's ability) of the player's buddy of the player terminal 1, and outputs card operation information in the situation of the card setting information. do. Note that even if the card setting information transmitted from the player terminal 1 is the same, if the character information (ability of the buddy) of the player's buddy is different, different card operation information may be output.

The character information update unit 104 updates or increases various parameters (level, card understanding level, personality, synchronization level) of the character information of the second game element. Conditions for changing the parameters are set for each parameter (level, card understanding level, personality, synchronization level), as will be described later. The character information update unit 105 determines whether the conditions for changing each parameter are met, and if the conditions are met, updates the parameters. Timings for determining conditions for changing parameters include, for example, when logging in, when a battle ends, when acquiring a card, when acquiring a specific card, and when detecting a predetermined operation (touch operation on the image of the second game element) in communication mode. There are times etc. However, it is not limited to this.

The card provision management section 105 reads card and item information from the storage section 91 and transmits it to the player terminal 1 in response to a card provision request or an item provision request from the player terminal 1 . When a card purchase request or item purchase request is received from the player terminal 1, after the payment of the price is confirmed, the data corresponding to the card setting data or the data corresponding to the item is read from the storage unit 91 and the player terminal 1 reads out the data corresponding to the card setting data or the data corresponding to the item. Send to. Further, information on cards or items acquired by the player is supplied to the player management section 101. The compensation may be paid, for example, by subtracting the compensation from the balance (in-game currency or point balance) in the user information data stored in the storage unit 91, or by other payment methods.

The release determining unit 106 acquires the number of open items held from the user information data in the storage unit 91 in response to a request for determining an open item from the player terminal 1 . Then, it is determined whether the obtained required number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, and the determination result is transmitted to the player terminal 1. The determination result may include information on the number owned by the player, in addition to information indicating whether the number owned is sufficient or insufficient. Further, upon receiving the completion notification from the player terminal 1, the release determining unit 106 updates the number of open items held in the corresponding user information data in the storage unit 91 with a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined number.

The communication unit 93 connects to the communication line N to realize communication.
[Operation of each device]
The operation of the player terminal 1 will be explained.
For example, after logging in using the user ID "1001", the player selects "Buddy Settings" from the menu screen. The player terminal 1 uses the buddy information data in the storage section 51 to display a buddy setting screen (FIG. 3). The buddies displayed on the buddy setting screen include buddies that can be set and buddies that cannot be set. The player selects a desired buddy.

The buddy setting process executed when a settable buddy (buddy identification information "B001") is selected on the buddy setting screen will be described with reference to FIG.

The buddy setting section 73 of the player terminal 1 acquires buddy information data corresponding to the selected settable buddy from the storage section 51, and stores it in the storage section 51 as buddy setting data (Step 101). If you are playing for the first time, set new buddy setting data. Furthermore, if buddy setting data has already been set, the buddy setting data is updated.

The buddy setting unit 73 transmits the buddy information data of the buddy identification information "B001" set as the player selection buddy and the user ID "1001" to the game server 2 together with the buddy setting request (Step 102), and ends this process. . Note that the changed part of the buddy information data may be transmitted to the game server 2.

Next, on the buddy setting screen, when a buddy that cannot be set (buddy identification information "B002") is selected and the "release button" on the screen is pressed, the buddy release process executed by the player terminal 1 is shown in FIG. Explain with reference to. Note that in this example, the number of buddy release items required to change the buddy to be configurable is one, but the required number is not limited to this.

The buddy setting section 73 of the player terminal 1 transmits the user ID "1001" along with a request for determining an open item to the game server 2 via the communication section (Step 201).

The buddy setting unit 73 receives the determination result transmitted from the game server 2, and determines the determination result (Step 202). If the determination result indicates that the number of items possessed is sufficient (Step 202: Yes), the setting value of "Can be set as a player selection buddy" in the buddy information data corresponding to the buddy identification information "B002" of the selected buddy is set. Change from "unconfigurable" to "configurable" (Step 203). Furthermore, the value of the open item in the user information data (player related data) in the storage unit 51 is updated with a value obtained by subtracting 1 (Step 204). Then, a completion notification regarding buddy release is transmitted together with the user ID "1001" (Step 205). This ends the process. Further, if the determination result in Step 202 indicates that the number of items held is insufficient (Step 202: No), an error is displayed (Step 206).

Furthermore, if the buddy that has been changed to "settable" is to be directly set as the player selection buddy, the buddy setting process described above is executed between Step 203 and Step 204.

Next, the operation of the game server 2 will be explained.
First, the release determination process executed by the game server 2 when the game server 2 receives the release item determination request in the buddy release process will be described with reference to FIG.

When the open item determination unit 106 of the game server 2 receives the open item determination request from the player terminal 1 together with the user ID “1001”, the open item determination unit 106 determines the number of open items held corresponding to the user ID “1001” from the user information in the storage unit 91. Obtain from data (Step 301).
The release determination unit 104 determines whether the acquired number of possessions is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (in this example, 1) (Step 302), and if the number of possessions is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the number of possessions is sufficient. If the number of possessions is less than a predetermined number, the determination result that the number of possessions is insufficient is transmitted to the player terminal 1 (Step 304). This ends the process.

Regarding the buddy setting process by the player terminal 1 described above, when the game server 2 receives a buddy setting request from the player terminal 1, the game server 2 uses the received user ID ("1001" in the above example). Update the buddy data in the corresponding user information data with the received data.

Further, regarding the buddy release process by the player terminal 1 described above, when the game server 2 receives a notification of completion regarding buddy release, the game server 2 stores the user information corresponding to the received user ID stored in the storage unit 91. The number of open items held in the data is updated with a value that is reduced by a predetermined number (in this example, 1).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a player selects a desired second game element from a plurality of second game elements to form a group, and further selects a desired second game element from among a plurality of second game elements to form a group. Since the second game element can be changed to the second game element, it is possible to provide a game that is highly interesting to the user.

A buddy that cannot be set as a player selection buddy may be settable as the game progresses. For example, the setting may be possible when the player's rank or class, game time, billing amount, number of matches, number of wins, etc. reach a predetermined standard. Alternatively, it may be possible to determine this by achieving a predetermined event within the game. The setting is not limited to these, and may be settable when various conditions related to game progress are met.

In the above embodiment, the card setting data of the card provided to the player is received when the card is provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In advance (at the time of downloading a game program, etc.), the player terminal 1 receives card setting data for all cards used in the game (including cards not provided to the player) from the game server 2 and stores it in the storage unit 51. It's okay. In this case, when a card is provided, the player terminal 1 receives the card identification information of the card to be provided from the server, reads the card setting data information corresponding to the received card identification information from the storage unit 51, and sets the card. You may also do so.

In addition, some or all of the above embodiments are also described in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following.

[Additional note 1]
A terminal for playing a game using a first game element,
Comprising a memory storing execution instructions and a processor,
The processor, according to the execution instruction,
a deck setting process for setting a first game element constituting a player's deck;
A second game element that is a game element that does not constitute a deck and that is selected from among second game elements that can use the player's deck and sets the second game element as a second game element that constitutes a group with the player. Execute the setting process,
The second game element setting process is performed by a terminal that allows the set second game element to be changed to another second game element.

[Additional note 2]
A server device that controls the progress of a game played by a player using a first game element, the server device comprising:
Comprising a memory storing execution instructions and a processor,
The processor, according to the execution instruction,
A second game that can set a second game element that cannot be set as a second game element that forms a group with the player in response to a request from a terminal that sets a second game element that forms a group with the player. A server device that executes a determination process for determining a third game element to be changed to an element.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of the technical idea.

1 Player terminal 2 Game server 11 Display 12 Touch operation panel 13 Speaker 31 Possession card area 32 Deck area 41 First area 42 Second area 43 Operation information 44 Field area 45 Base area 46 First object 47 Second object 48 Force area 50 Operation input section 51 Storage section 52 Processing section 53 Image display section 54 Sound output section 55 Communication section 61 Game calculation section 62 Image generation section 63 Sound generation section 64 Communication control section 70 Card provision section 71 Deck setting section 72 Card setting section 73 Buddy Setting unit 74 Action determining unit 75 Operation screen display unit 76 Game management unit 91 Storage unit 92 Processing unit 93 Communication unit 101 Player management unit 102 Game management unit 103 AI processing unit 104 Character information update unit 105 Card provision management unit 106 Opening determination unit

Claims (10)

A program that causes a computer to execute a game played by a player using game elements,
A non-player character that is selected from among multiple types of non-player characters that can use the player's game elements and is set as a non-player character that forms a group with the player. setting means,
a first changing means for changing a non-player character set as a non-player character forming a group with the player to another non-player character;
Among the plurality of types of non-player characters, a non-player character that cannot be set as a non-player character that forms a group with the player can be set as a non-player character that forms a group with the player, on the condition that items held by the user are consumed. a second changing means for controlling the change to a non-player character that can be set as a character;
battle execution means for executing a battle between the non-player characters using the game element;
function as
Each of the plurality of types of non-player characters has a different characteristic in which the non-player character selects the game element or a characteristic in which the non-player character selects an action of the game element in the battle,
The non-player character has a level that increases according to experience points obtained from the battle,
When the currently set first non-player character is changed to another second non-player character, the non-player character setting means changes the level of the first non-player character to the second non-player character. If the second non-player character is a previously set non-player character, the level of the second non-player character is transferred from the second non-player character to another non-player character. setting the level of the second non-player character at the time of the change;
program. The program causes the computer to
Functioning as a control means for controlling the movement of the non-player character according to the progress of the game without requiring any operation by the player.
The program according to claim 1. The non-player character setting means selectably presents one of a plurality of non-player characters with different display formats and in-game effects;
The program according to claim 1 or claim 2. The non-player characters presented by the non-player character setting means include at least one of a non-player character that can be set as a non-player character forming a group with the player, and a non-player character that cannot be set.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Non-player characters presented at least when playing the game for the first time include the configurable non-player character and the non-configurable non-player character;
The program according to claim 4. The apparatus further comprises data setting means for correlating and setting player-related data regarding the player and non-player character-related data including levels of non-player characters constituting the player and the group;
When a non-player character forming a group with a player is changed, the data setting means sets the player-related data set before the change even after the change, and sets the new non-player character-related data as the player-related data. Set in association with data,
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The non-player character related data includes character information that changes as the game progresses;
The player-related data includes first information that affects the degree of change in character information of non-player characters forming a group with the player.
The program according to claim 6. The first information in the player-related data is an upper limit number of game operations that increase the character information of non-player characters forming a group with the player, and increases as the player progresses in the game.
The program according to claim 7. A terminal that executes a game using game elements,
A non-player character that is selected from among multiple types of non-player characters that can use the player's game elements and is set as a non-player character that forms a group with the player. a setting means;
a first changing means for changing a non-player character set as a non-player character forming a group with the player to another non-player character;
Among the plurality of types of non-player characters, a non-player character that cannot be set as a non-player character that forms a group with the player can be set as a non-player character that forms a group with the player, on the condition that items held by the user are consumed. a second changing means for controlling the non-player character to be changeable to a non-player character that can be set as a character;
a battle execution means for executing a battle between the non-player characters using the game element;
Equipped with
Each of the plurality of types of non-player characters has a different characteristic for selecting the game element or a characteristic for selecting the action of the game element in the battle,
The non-player character has a level that increases according to experience points obtained from the battle,
When the currently set first non-player character is changed to another second non-player character, the non-player character setting means changes the level of the first non-player character to the second non-player character. If the second non-player character is a previously set non-player character, the level of the second non-player character is transferred from the second non-player character to another non-player character. setting the level of the second non-player character at the time of the change;
terminal. A server device that controls the progress of a game played by a player using game elements ,
Set a non-player character that forms a group with the player. In response to a request from a player's terminal, a non-player character that cannot be set as a non-player character that forms a group with the player becomes a settable non-player character. determining means for determining whether the player owns an item to be changed ;
When the player owns the item, a changing means for changing a non-player character that cannot be set to a non-player character that can be set;
A non-player character selected by the player from among the settable non-player characters among a plurality of types of non-player characters that can use the player's game elements is set as a non-player character forming a group with the player. a setting means;
a battle execution means for executing a battle between the non-player characters using the game element;
Equipped with
Each of the plurality of types of non-player characters has a different characteristic in which the non-player character selects the game element or a characteristic in which the non-player character selects an action of the game element in the battle,
The non-player character has a level that increases according to experience points obtained by competing,
The setting means is configured to inherit the level of the first non-player character to the second non-player character when the currently set first non-player character is changed to another second non-player character. First, when the second non-player character is a previously set non-player character, when the level of the second non-player character is changed from the second non-player character to another non-player character. setting the level of the second non-player character to the level of the second non-player character;
server equipment.

Images